City Council approves wheelchair tennis event

Fullerton-born David Wagner, who won the 2013 Quad Singles Masters title in November, spoke in favor of Mission Viejo hosting the 2014 ITF Wheelchair Tennis Masters doubles tournament at Monday's Mission Viejo City Council meeting. ROD VEAL, STAFF FILE PHOTO

MISSION VIEJO – The city is moving forward with plans to host the 2014 International Tennis Federation Wheelchair Doubles Masters tournament.

The City Council voted 4-1 to direct staff to negotiate contract terms with the ITF and to authorize City Manager Dennis Wilberg to execute the contract. Councilwoman Cathy Schlicht was the lone dissenting vote.

The 2014 tournament, which will take place in November, is expected to cost the city $75,000, and the city expects to receive $10,000 in cash sponsorships and $94,500 in in-kind services, said Steve Bell, interim director of recreation and community services.

Despite the passing vote, disagreement arose at Monday's council meeting over the event's value to the city, given its cost.

In November, it cost the city $96,369 to host the singles and doubles masters tournament.

The event's initial budget was estimated at $55,000, but the city was faced with several unanticipated costs because it was the first time it hosted these tournaments, Bell said.

Schlicht said she doesn't think residents should have to pay for an event that doesn't benefit them.

“I'm tired of acting like we're drunken sailors with money falling out of our pockets,” she said. “What we created was a vacation for 125 (athletes).”

But Councilman Frank Ury said that despite lackluster attendance for the November tournaments, the event provides unique recreational opportunities for residents, and it should continue.

“These are the type of things we need to be fostering,” Ury said. “That's what Mission Viejo is known for, its exceptional recreation opportunities.

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